Lumpy Ridge With Mike - Just Being On The Rock

Mike SandersMike climbing Mike style. I am not sure which route it is, but he is sending it.

It was a beautiful Colorado day. Mike had agreed to go climb a moderate climb with me. At that time I was still a new lead climber and was still learning. To climb with Mike was a real treat because he could teach me so much and his skill set and climbing ability was so advanced that I could just climb and lead without the fear or uncertainty of the belay. I figured that he could get us out of any trouble we could get into. Mike didn't take unreasonable risks and could temper my enthusiasm with good solid wisdom.

We chose to climb a classic route that I had lead a few pitches on before. Osiris has some fun climbing, great gear and protection and was well within my ability. To Mike this was well under his climbing ability as he was a solid 5.11 Indian Creek crack climber. He was my rope gun on so many climbing trips and now he was going to let me lead this climb. He didn't load me up with lots of advice. His confidence was infectious and at that time I wanted to impress him. He was like my big brother even though he was a few years younger than I.

We arrived at the base of the climb and getting off the deck is always the hardest move for me while climbing. You aren't warmed up and the kinetic flow has not engaged yet. Mike graciously took the first pitch lead. He didn't make a big deal out of it and didn't verbally beat me up for not being more bold and demanding the first lead. He just went about his business, then walked right up the semi chimney and hand jam crack.

When I arrived at the belay he left me on belay and I clipped in to the anchor while we exchanged gear. Then he sent me off to tackle the next pitch. He spoke so few words and had no bluster. His power and peace was infectious though. He was almost iconic and heroic in his demeanor, but so easy to be around. With Mike I was golden.

I lead pitch after pitch advancing us up the rock. Mike would point out mistakes and suggest, but not overly. He gave me kudos where deserved and he didn't seem concerned with my speed on that day. We had the route to ourselves and the day was one of those perfect days in Colorado. We had started early enough that we would be down off the rock before any chance of a thunderstorm catching us.

I learned that day that just being on the rock is a great goal in and of itself. That we don't always need to be at the edge of your climbing ability or prove anything to anyone. Mike sure wasn't pushing his limits. He was just being on the rock with a friend and sharing a wealth of experience with me. Teaching me and giving his time.

That day with Mike is one of the reasons that I love climbing. He taught me more about climbing by what he didn't say and how he was, just being on the rock. Thanks Mike.